1. Description: A Gold color
medal, 1 3/8 inches in width, consisting of a wreath
superimposed by two crossed scimitars saltirewise and a Maltese
cross. In the center of the Maltese cross a disc with an outline
of the country of Vietnam between two palm sprigs joined at the
bottom and a scroll overall inscribed "QUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG"
(Reward of the State).
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8
inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/8 inch Old
Glory Red 67156; center 5/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104 with 16
strands of Old Glory Red; and 3/8 inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria: a. U.S. Military
units were individually cited for award of the Republic of
Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese
Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military
Assistance Command (MACV) during the period 8 February 1962 and
28 March 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its subordinate units
for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. This permits all
personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry Cross
unit citation.
b. The medal was awarded
by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have
accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while
fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the
regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.
4. Components: The following are
authorized components of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry
Cross:
a. Medal (regular size):
Not issued. Available commercially.
b. Medal (miniature size):
Not issued. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon:
MIL-R-11589/173. Commercially available.
d. Streamers: Awarded to
cited units. Inscription is as indicated on the unit's lineage
and honors. Requisition in accordance with Chapter 9, Army
Regulation (AR) 840-10.
e. Unit Award:
Commercially available.
5. Background: a. The RVN
Gallantry Cross was established by the Vietnam Government by
Decree No. 74-b/Qt, dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No. 96/DQT/HC,
dated 2 May 1952. Authorization for all U.S. Army personnel was
confirmed in HDQA General Orders No. 8, dated 19 March 1974.
b. Only one emblem (with
palm) will be worn regardless of the number of times the unit
was awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross. The Army initially
authorized the wear of a fourragere by letter AGPB-AC, Subject:
Wear of Vietnamese Unit Awards by U.S. Army Personnel, dated 11
February 1969, for units which had been awarded the RVN
Gallantry Cross with palm on two or more occasions. Department
of the Army message 111030Z April 1974, established the policy
that only one emblem was authorized, thus precluding the wear of
the Vietnamese fourrageres which represented multiple awards.
